Qatari GP

Both Randy de Puniet and Loris Capirossi were unable to finish the opening race of the season in Qatar, as the Pramac Racing team experienced a disappointing first round of 2011.

Randy de Puniet crashed out on the first lap of the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar on Sunday evening, losing the rear end of his Desmosedici GP11. The Frenchman’s rear wheel hit the clutch lever of team-mate Loris Capirossi, forcing the Italian to pit in and retire two laps later as he was unable to continue due to a pain in his left hand.

Loris Capirossi, DNF:
"Disappointed, but in racing these things can happen. I am very sorry it had to happen with my new team-mate who has no fault. Again, anything can happen in racing. We now hope that fortune turns around and we will have better luck next time. The only positive aspect is that the hand is not broken, I felt a lot of pain and I had some concerns, but we will be in Jerez!"

Randy De Puniet , DNF:
"I'm sorry for the fall and to have the misfortune to hit my team-mate. The rear tyre was probably still cold on the left side and as soon as I opened the throttle the bike raised in the air and all of a sudden I found my nose on the ground. It's really a shame because we were very confident after the good warm up that we had done. The only thing we can do is think of Jerez where in two weeks time we will try to make up for this unfortunate weekend."